Pieterse Triumphs in Fourth Stage of Tour de France Femmes

Puck Pieterse outpaced Demi Vollering to win the fourth stage of the Tour de France Femmes, advancing to second overall. Vollering maintained the yellow jersey, while Poland's Katarzyna Niewiadoma finished third. Despite challenges, Pieterse's stellar sprint secured the victory, making a significant mark on the race.

Puck Pieterse of Fenix-Deceuninck outsprinted race leader Demi Vollering to clinch the fourth stage of the Tour de France Femmes on Wednesday, moving to second overall. Defending champion Vollering held onto the yellow jersey. The 122.7-km race from Valkenburg to Liege concluded in a tight three-way battle.

Poland's Katarzyna Niewiadoma finished third as the Dutch duo of Pieterse and Vollering narrowly crossed the line. 'It's quite unbelievable actually. The last few days I had super good legs,' Pieterse said. 'To win here in a sprint against Demi is a dream come true.'

The stage saw Spain's Sara Martin break away early, only to be caught later. Belgian Justine Ghekiere led the pack before the final climbs, but was overtaken by Vollering, Pieterse, and Niewiadoma. Pieterse's photo finish in the rain secured her victory. Overall standings are tight as the race moves to France with Thursday's fifth stage, a 152.5-kilometre flat ride from Bastogne to Amneville.

(With inputs from agencies.)